Learning to Drive: A Lesson in Kindheartedness

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my youth, a tale that taught me the importance of kindheartedness. It’s a story about learning to drive, but it’s also about so much more. It’s about the lessons we learn when we least expect them, and how they shape us into the people we become.

The Day I Met Mr. Johnson

It was the summer of ’65, and I was eager to get behind the wheel. My father, a stern but fair man, had arranged for me to take driving lessons from a gentleman named Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a retired bus driver, known for his patience and gentle demeanor.

First Impressions

On our first meeting, I was nervous. I had heard stories about the difficulties of learning to drive, and I was worried I wouldn’t measure up. But Mr. Johnson, with his warm smile and reassuring words, quickly put me at ease. He told me, “Driving is like life, son. It’s not about how fast you go, but how well you steer.“

The Unexpected Lesson

Over the next few weeks, I learned more than just how to drive. I learned about patience, about understanding, and most importantly, about kindheartedness. Mr. Johnson was always patient with me, even when I made the same mistakes over and over again. He never raised his voice, never lost his temper. Instead, he would calmly explain what I did wrong and how to correct it.

One day, after a particularly difficult lesson, I asked him why he was so patient. He looked at me and said, “Kindness, son, is the key to everything. It’s easy to be kind when things are going well, but the true test of a person’s character is how they act when things are tough.“

Carrying the Lesson Forward

That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life. I’ve tried to apply it in all my interactions, whether with family, friends, or strangers. And I’ve found that it’s true – kindness really is the key to everything. It opens doors, it builds bridges, it heals wounds. It’s a simple act, but its impact can be profound.

So, my dear friends, as you navigate the roads of life, remember to steer with kindness. It won’t always be easy, but I promise you, it will be worth it.

Until next time,

Kev